Review: Hi-Tec Mens Roaring River Softshell Keeps You Warm and Dry

Working and playing in and around Portland and Vancouver, WA has it’s perks. Water, mountains, hiking, camping, trail runs and any other outdoor activity you could think of, are right at your finger tips. One thing that is for certain in this area is water. Lots of it. The winters are long and the sun is rarely seen between the thick layers of clouds. This makes the Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell and excellent choice in this climate. A jacket that is not too heavy and not too light.

With temps around 40-50 for many of the winter months and daily rain almost a certainty this shell is ideally suited for nearly all my outdoor needs. This year the shell is pulling extra duty as this is one of the rainiest winters in the north west, so essentially I’ve worn this shell everyday for the past few months, with very little exception.

The Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell is three-layered laminated, wind proof and repels water. Rain water seemed to not bead up like it does on other materials, but it never absorbed through, keeping me warm and dry. There are also two zipper hand pockets up front, a zippered chest pocket (great for cell phones) and a draw string waist cuff.

The pockets are more than adequate for storing small items and keeping your hands toasty if you forgot your gloves. I had my keys, phone, wallet, maps, gloves and all kinds of stuff stuffed in with no real dilemma. The jacket fits me well. If there were any changes I could make to it, I’d bring the sides in a tad for a more fitted appearance and create a more snug fit around the neck when the zipper is fully zipped up. The collar does, however, do a good job at keeping the wind off your neck. Most shells like this do not come with a hood. I think a hood distracts a bit from the style aspect, but would be nice on those very rainy days, but there are jackets out there for that exact purpose.

Photo above was shot on the Oregon coast right before the storm hit. The Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell did an excellent job in keeping me dry and warm that day. More than I can say for another jacket I was using the same day.

Above is the Hi-Tec logo on the chest of the shell. I’ve received many questions from puzzled people asking: “A Hi-Tec jacket? I thought they just made shoes?” Well they do make great shoes, now they make great outerwear too.

Video Below shows how the water doesn’t bead off, but it never absorbs through:

Pro Roaring River Softshell:
Lightweight
Looks great
Fit
Performance

Con Roaring River Softshell:
No hood
Fit

Bottom line:
A well built, AND well priced softshell.